Drone pilot launches business skywards

A Harrogate-based freelance photographer is watching his business take off – after qualifying as a drone pilot.

David Bridgen has invested more than £1,500 in training and is now one of only a handful of pilots in the region who hold a “heavy-lift” licence from the Civil Aviation Authority, allowing him to use multiple cameras, including thermal imaging for the construction and property industries.

Having invested more than £10,000 in equipment, he has also launched DroneCam Solutions Ltd, which covers Yorkshire and the North-East.

“The more I looked into it, the more industries I found needed this, like, hotels and leisure, property and agriculture,” said Mr Bridgen.

“Our 4k filming capabilities give clients a cinematic feel and the picture is of an equally high standard from well positioned angles and heights.”

“I’d like to grow the business and take on other people who are qualified, either through an in-house training scheme or already trained. This business has a lot of potential.”